Now that Rise of the Ronin is out, PlayStation can finally start marketing Stellar Blade more, starting with a free demo.
Weeks after the demo was leaked all over the internet, PlayStation is making the free trial of Shift Up’s upcoming action-adventure game.
According to Sony, any progress made on the demo will carry over to your saved data if you purchase the full game and play it on your PlayStation 5 starting on April 26.
Stellar Blade has gone viral over the past few months for NSFW reasons, but the studio is aware of this. In fact, it’s using the curvaceous figure of the heroine, Eve, to target certain audiences. The studio even sought a specific South Korean model to use as a physical reference for Eve’s body structure.
While many have been quick to call out Stellar Blade for selling out, the earlier demo leak proved that the game has actual gameplay substance to back up its pretty face; its combat has been described as a more polished version of NieR: Automata.
Stellar Blade has been in development for at least five years. It was initially announced as “Project Eve” and as a last-generation multi-platform title. However, with the support of PlayStation and its ongoing investment in the South Korean gaming industry, it grew in scope and became exclusive to Sony’s flagship console. Aside from Stellar Blade, Sony is also working with NCSoft on an MMO Horizon game.
With Sony’s biggest first-party projects skipping the next fiscal year, the console maker will rely on the performance of the likes of Stellar Blade to deliver strong console sales. It’s part of a lineup of exclusives on PS5 through March 31, 2025 that may include Silent Hill 2 Remake and Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater.
